This document describes in detail a study of postdoctoral training in biomedical sciences. Highlights of the study indicate: (1) During the 1958-70 period, 8,685 postdoctorals, equally divided between MD's and PD's, were supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), at a total cost of $86.5 million. (2) Directors of the…

Points out that snails are interesting and easily-managed classroom animals. One advantage of this animal is that it requires no special attention over weekends or holidays. Background information, anatomy, reproduction, and feeding are discussed, along with suggestions for housing aquatic and/or land snails. (DH)

This environmental education strategy was developed by a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Washington Office Task Group in collaboration with staff at all levels of the BLM. The strategy calls for the BLM to expand its efforts in educating citizens about ecosystems and ecosystem management, and to establish environmental education as an integral…

Suggests using Play Doh to mold models of the nucleus, mitochondria, and inner cellular structures. Students can conceptualize the cell's structures as three-dimensional even though they appear two-dimensional under a microscope. Includes instructions for preparing homemade dough. (Author/JN)

Our modular laboratory teaching program is characterized by two major features. First, each course is taught independently and not linked with a particular lecture course. Second, each course is designed to be completed within one-half semester or less. The modular organization has allowed incorporation of the latest technology, reduction of class…

This article describes a pumpkin activity that allows teachers to evaluate their students' understanding of standards-based science skills. This activity is a valuable tool for the teacher to assess all the concepts introduced in the beginning of the life science. It assesses the lab skills that have been taught in the first quarter: observation,…

Pollination is a broad area of study within biology. For many plants, pollen carried by wind is required for successful seed set. Airborne pollen also affects human health. To foster studies of airborne pollen, we introduce a simple device--the "megastigma"--for collecting pollen from the air. This device is flexible, yielding easily obtained data…

The Freshwater Ecology Laboratory at Connecticut College has developed an interactive, Web-based identification key to freshwater algal genera using the Lucid Professional and Lucid 3 software developed by the Centre for Biological Information Technology at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. The "Key to Freshwater Algae"…

The process of protein synthesis, translation, is difficult for many students to understand. There are two reasons for this: (1) It is difficult to visualize the process, since the components involved in the process are not observable, and (2) There are many details, often dependent on each other and difficult to grasp independently, that are…

Covering the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1980, and ending June 30, 1981, this annual report of the Assembly of Life Sciences (ALS) summarizes the major activities of this group. Information is organized into four sections: (1) The Executive Office; (2) The Division of Biological Sciences; (3) The Division of Medical Sciences; and (4) The Board…

This report describes the composition and operation of the library of the Gray Freshwater Biological Institute at the University of Minnesota, a non-traditional information service which provides information to the institute by combining the use of three bibliographic databases with current awareness services, OCLC, MINITEX, and author reprint…

Examines errors in 21 science journals, focusing on error types, editorial policy and practice, causes, consequences, and future action. Because of the serious implications of these errors, the scientific community is cautioned not to ignore the problem. Several recommendations are given. (DH)

The first permanent science programming unit in United States public television will be established at a television station (WNET, channel 13) in New York City. This project (funded by a grant of $200,000 from Ciba-Geigy corporation) is briefly described, including comments on present and future science programs. (JN)

Herman the Ermine's teaching methods are closely aligned to an ancient Chinese verse from the Book of Tao. According to author Law Tsu, "Teachers who teach best teach with no words." (Author)

Ordering principles, hierarchy, taxonomy, emergence, and decomposable systems are discussed. Examples of hierarchies are included. (CW)